Security has been tightened outside Patel Chowk metro station as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced plans to stage a ‘gherao’ at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence in protest against the recent arrest of AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.
Paramilitary forces, wearing anti-riot gear have been stationed enroute to the prime minister’s residence and in the vicinity of Patel Chowk metro station. Additionally, the closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station remains in effect until further notice due to ongoing protests by AAP workers.
Delhi Police have confirmed that no permission has been granted given the protests. Gate No. 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate No. 5 of Central Secretariat Metro Station will continue to remain closed until further notice as per the directives from the DMRC, citing security concerns.
“Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station, Gate No. 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station, and Gate No. 5 of Central Secretariat Metro Station will remain closed until further notice,” DMRC stated.
Several parts of Delhi may experience disruptions in traffic flow. In a traffic advisory concerning restrictions, the Delhi Police stated, “No vehicles will be allowed to stop or park anywhere on Tughlak Road, Safdarjung Road, or Kemal Ataturk Marg. General public entry will not be permitted.”
The advisory further warned that vehicles found parked on these roads will be towed away and subjected to legal action for improper parking and defiance of official directives. The towed vehicles will be relocated to the traffic pit at Kali Bari Marg, as specified by the Delhi Traffic Police advisory.
On Monday, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj announced the Aam Aadmi Party’s decision not to celebrate Holi this year due to the imprisonment of its senior members, including Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain, and Manish Sisodia. Bharadwaj further declared that instead of festivities, AAP leaders will lead a protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Tuesday.
“Imagine the situation in the families of Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain, and Manish Sisodia right now. These are family members of AAP. Hence, the party has decided to not celebrate Holi this year. Now, we will celebrate Holi only after Arvind Kejriwal is released from jail,” Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI.
“A sitting CM and a national convenor of a national party were arrested during the Model Code of Conduct. The whole world is shocked. All opposition parties have decided that we will organize a huge rally at the Ramlila Maidan on March 31,” he said.
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case linked to a money laundering case. Arvind Kejriwal was on March 22 remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days, till March 28, a day after his arrest.